Sking in Gesunderberget swededn 2005

Arrived here today 20th March the place is not too busy as it's coming close to the season's end on the 5th of April. Just perfect for our first sking experience ever. We decided to stay here for a week so have booked six lessons over the six days .There is a noticable rise in temperature and its 8 degrees today . There is a thaw on and water is flowing in the Tigin again. The first signs of spring are in the Air

21st March, the spring equinox a time of light overcoming darkness. It is a perfect time of the year to have begun our travels. We seem to have chosen the right time to visit this magical country. So, change happens and we are at one with it. Today we had our first sking lesson. We went to the ski shop where we were given our boots skies and sticks. The butterflies were trying to escape but we managed to keep them at bay! Then we headed for the Tigin to prepare.....by the time we got dressed and struggled with the boots we needed a shower. But onward and upwards, we met with our ski instructor Eric who was young with very good english and great patience.

What a wow!!! it was so exciting, no sticks, we learned how to brake and some gentle turns. Then back up on the chair lift to do it all over again. We were on a high when it was over, so after lunch we got back out and practised. Already we are looking forward to tomorrow's lesson. A nice sauna, (we have the whole place to ourselves) welcome in the season change, a glass of wine and an early night.

Day threeand according to Eric we are improving in leaps and bounds. We are gaining in confidence and loving every minute.This snow machine is amazing to watch, it can travel right to the top of the slope, reconditioning the days snow to prepare it for the next day. It commences work when the slope closes for the day at 4pm. and works on until midnight. If it is going to freeze at night then it does not work until 5am. There is also a snow machine to prolong the snow until the end of season if needed.

TheDala Horsegrasing through the snow can smell and taste the new shoots that lie beneath. As far as we can make out, you either skate, ski or horseride or if you are lucky do all th

So here we are with Eric, he is a beautiful man who has added greatly to the enjoyment of our first experience on skies. He seemed to understand our Irish humour and he and the rest of the staff were very helpful and friendly. We connected instantly and felt a shared connection. We look forward to meeting up with him again when he comes to Ireland later this year with his girlfriend....

The time has come for us to leave. As uaual we were in the right place at the right time.We were the only people on the campsite and enjoyed the quietness. We awoke this morning to a sight similiar to that of a hot day in Ireland or any where for that matter, when people gather in large numbers on the beach to make the most of the sunshine. But instead of taking a dip and building sandcastles they are sking. It's a family day out it's Good Friday a bank holiday. Grandparents and cooking up on the bar-b-q while watching the little ones enjoy the last of the snow. It will be gone in a week. Deck chairs are out shirts are off. Its a full moon tonight.

Also on Erics advice we took the chairs to the summit and as you can see it is indeed a beautiful place.

To stand and observe nature what a privilege ...life is beautiful .

It's time to be moving on and so we set off in the mighty tigin (thats if it starts)...in search of our next discovery and as the sea is calling.